Darth Vader star on cancer

As the costumed superhero known as the Green Cross Man, he told the children of the 70s to Stop, Look and Listen.

Now, the British actor best known as Darth Vader in the original Star Wars films has become the unlikely hero of a very different campaign.

Diagnosed with prostate cancer at the start of the year, Dave Prowse MBE has found himself raising awareness of men's health.

"There's this terrible embarrassment," says the former bodybuilder and weightlifter.

Darth Vader's been very very good to me

"You've got to get over to men that there is no embarrassment in going to the doctor and letting the doctor probe around and having a look to see how you are.

"It doesn't worry me in the slightest and it shouldn't worry any man."

The 72-year-old, who is married with three children, only discovered he had prostate cancer through his charity work. At a golf tournament in aid of the Prostate Cancer Charity, he was asked to present the cheque to a representative.

She happened to ask if he had had a PSA test, which is recommended in all men over 50.

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